Bogotá, May 7 (SP). This Friday, May 8, will come into force the Free Trade Agreement subscribed between Colombia and Chile on November 2006. Owing to it, important possibilities opens for the growth of commercial exchange and development of new areas, such as services and public acquisitions, for businessmen and investors of both countries.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Luis Guillermo Plata, highlighted the bonds that have united Colombia and Chile, and said that “this is an invaluable tool for business to succeed, bringing a mutual benefits to our people  in the field of employment, development and economic growth”.

The Minister announced an event, next Monday May 18, with Chilean authorities, in which Colombian businessmen will have the opportunity to know in dept the best way to take advantage of the possibilities of this new agreement.

Similar seminaries will be held in the cities of Barranquilla, Cali and Medellin during the same week.

Minister Plata talked about the benefits that the Agreement will bring to Colombia and said that he expected the fields of computing and software, health, audiovisuals, construction, engineering and ecotourism could be more benefited by the new commercial conditions.

About investment, he highlighted that thanks to the Agreement it will be possible to offer guarantees for Chilean capital, which will allow an increase of business between both economies.

With the application of the FTA, subjects as public acquisitions, services and controversies solutions, and investment will help deepening two way commerce, affirmed the Minister.

The Minister also highlighted the fact that Colombian businessmen will be able to obtain their visas to temporally go to that destiny.